Cavities Between Teeth: How to Protect Your Smile from This Hidden Threat

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in the entire world, but they’re not always easy to spot—especially when they form between the teeth! These hidden cavities can quietly damage your pearly whites before you even realize there’s a problem, but luckily, the issue is often treatable with the help of a tooth-colored filling. Here’s a closer look at how these cavities form and why you shouldn’t wait to seek treatment.

How Do Cavities Form Between Teeth?

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from your food, producing acids that gradually wear down your tooth enamel, or the outermost layer that gives your pearly whites their shine and protects them. When plaque and food particles get stuck between teeth, since these areas are harder to reach with a toothbrush, decay can easily start to develop there.

In fact, you’re more likely to get a cavity between your teeth if you don’t floss regularly or consume sugary foods and drinks often. However, even people with great brushing and flossing habits and healthy diets are still vulnerable to these troublesome issues.

How Can I Prevent Cavities Between My Teeth?

If there is one “good” thing about cavities, it’s that they are highly preventable with the right habits and a proactive approach. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Supplement with an antibacterial mouthwash. You can also consider using a water flosser for added ease.
• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are known to brush more effectively!
• Aim to limit the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you’re consuming, opting for water and other low-sugar alternatives when possible.

If you notice tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, sharp pain when biting or chewing, or discomfort that seems to be coming from between your teeth, rather than their surface, it might indicate a cavity has formed between your teeth. But because these symptoms can sometimes be subtle, it’s important to also continue to visit your dentist every six months so that they’re able to spot them before things worsen!

About the Practice

Our team here at Ross Avenue Family Dental has proudly served patients and families in Dallas and all across the DFW metroplex for several years under the talented leadership of Dr. Xinxing Liu, offering a wide range of services for patients of all ages, including tooth-colored fillings! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (469) 210-7223.